Animal Services impounds 34 dogs in North Shore & Mecca
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services returned to the eastern Coachella Valley on Tuesday to conduct another early morning sweep of stray animals that roam the unincorporated communities of North Shore and Mecca.
Officials said a total of 34 dogs were impounded during the sweep, which began at 6 a.m. with nine animal control trucks patrolling the area.
Animal control officers rounded up 14 dogs from North Shore and 20 dogs from Mecca. Ten residents were issued citations as well, according to the department.
“I was pleased to observe Animal Services’ successful sweep in North Shore today,” said Supervisor John J. Benoit. “I commend the department for being responsive to our constituents and for their focused and proactive efforts to enforce county ordinances and make the streets safer for children, senior citizens and families.”
Officers said the dogs were taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. Animal Services recommends pet owners go to the shelter and claim their pet right away. The owners will be subject to fees associated with being out of compliance with licensing and vaccines, but the department is willing and ready to work with pet owners so they can be reunited with their pets.
Animal control officers conducted a stray dog sweep in the same area on September 28 following a deadly dog attack that took the life of North Shore resident Emilio Rios and severely injured a woman who was a couple of blocks away. The first sweep resulted in 29 dogs being impounded and one cat as well.
On October 28, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services will bring a bus to Mecca to perform free spay and neuter services and vaccines. The mobile spay and neuter bus will be parked at the Mecca Family Service Center & Community Health Clinic, located at 91275 66th Avenue.
Department officials said they will only be able to alter dogs under 50 pounds.
Residents of Mecca and North Shore must call 951-358-7731 to schedule an appointment. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. and pick-up will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
